Fine Art Festival 'is where it's happening' at new location in downtown Bradenton

BRADENTON -- The sun was shining in the blue sky over Bradenton, the glistening water on Ware's Creek setting the backdrop Saturday for artists to showcase their talents -- many whom try to capture the area's beauty through their work.

Hundreds of people made their way to the 16th annual Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County staged by ArtCenter Manatee in downtown Bradenton.

Daniel McKenna was proudly showing off the stained glass pieces he and his wife, Barbara Marcus-McKenna, made as some were purchased and packaged.

"Most of the colors are rich colors," she said. "We love rich colors."

She studied and trained in color at the Rhode Island School of Design and he used to blow glass, before the two combined their talents in the 1970s, they said.

"Match made in heaven," she said while he added: "We love to see the beauty in the world."

The couple's work is carrying on the Tiffany's glass tradition with their original designs, they said.

It wasn't their first time in Bradenton.

"We are doing the art tour, both coasts. Every year we are here, six to eight weeks ... working the Florida art circuit," he said. "This is where it's happening in winter time."

After 15 years in Lakewood Ranch, the event relocated to downtown Bradenton in the lot on the southwest corner of Manatee Avenue West and 15th Street West, along Ware's Creek at the site of the old City Hall.

Special events coordinator Christina Sutor said they received great feedback Saturday about the show returning in a new location.

"We've hear lots and lots of positive all day long," Sutor said. "People are happy we brought it back to downtown Bradenton.

Jo Wright of Winnipeg, Canada, said she was enjoying walking around the festival.

"So far it's very interesting," Wright said. "There's some that is very typical Florida."

Jewelry being sold is beautiful, she said.

"It's a beautiful, wonderful day to have an art show," Wright said pointing to a booth featuring water fountains. "This, to me, is very unique."

For artist Lori Kammeraad of Michigan, it was her first time exhibiting work in Bradenton.

"It's a lovely town," she said. "I look forward to coming back in a couple weeks to Sarasota for a show there."

Business however was off to a disappointing start for her.

"It's terrible," she said. "We did a show in Fort Myers and Jupiter and we were selling pieces for a couple thousand."

She remains optimistic.

"It's been slow, but who knows? You could always get that special person," she said.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published February 27, 2016 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Fine Art Festival 'is where it's happening' at new location in downtown Bradenton ."